FTI Consulting and BRG announce 2025 Craig Gibson Award honouring young arbitration talent

FTI Consulting, Inc. and Berkeley Research Group (BRG) hosted the 2025 Craig Gibson Award for Young Arbitration Professional earlier this month (November), marking the second consecutive year the accolade has opened Dubai Arbitration Week. The award was established in memory of Craig Gibson, a managing director at FTI Consulting, who passed away in 2023. The Award honours outstanding young talent in the disputes and arbitration community, continuing Craig’s legacy of mentorship, generosity and service.

The Award’s 2025 recipient, Antonin Sobek, an associate at Mayer Brown, was recognised for his exceptional contributions to international arbitration practice, including his analytical excellence, commitment to client service and leadership among peers. His dedication to integrity, collaboration and the advancement of young professionals echoes the values Craig championed throughout his career.

“It is an honour to receive an award that carries Craig’s name,” said Antonin Sobek, associate, Mayer Brown. “His impact on the community is widely felt, and I hope to reflect the same commitment to integrity and mentorship throughout my career.”

This Award was presented by Saarah Badr, Craig’s wife and senior counsel at Bird & Bird; alongside two of his former colleagues, Christopher Hollard, a director at FTI Consulting; and Mike Kenyon, a managing director at BRG. The ceremony brought together leading practitioners from across the arbitration, construction and disputes sectors to celebrate emerging excellence within the profession.

Speaking at the ceremony, Alastair Farr, senior managing director and EMEA head of construction, projects and assets at FTI Consulting, said, “Craig believed deeply in lifting others up and creating space for young professionals to thrive. It is a privilege to honour his memory by recognising future leaders like Antonin, whose work reflects the same spirit of purpose, energy and generosity.”

The Craig Gibson Award for Young Arbitration Professional, which serves as a meaningful tribute to Craig’s life and impact, is set to remain an annual feature of Dubai Arbitration Week.